How to Test for Ammonia Using Sodium Hydroxide - A Step-by-Step Guide

The video tutorial explains how to test for ammonium ions using sodium hydroxide. It highlights the difficulty in identifying ammonium ions due to the lack of a characteristic flame color and the solubility of ammonium salts. The tutorial describes converting ammonium ions to ammonia, which can be detected by its ability to turn damp red litmus paper blue. The procedure involves adding sodium hydroxide to a solution with ammonium ions, warming the mixture to release ammonia gas, and using litmus paper to confirm its presence.

What is the role of sodium hydroxide in the detection of ammonia?

Describe the steps involved in testing for ammonium ions.